Gael Monfils v Yoshihito Nishioka
Nishioka to win
Monfils is entering his final years in the tour and, although recently saying he lacks motivation for the game, being in his home country is surely a motivator to get his head in the game.
This is only Monfils third match of the clay season, with 1 win and 2 losses, whereas Nishioka has a 6/8 record this season, beating players like Ugo Humbert, Filip Krajinovic and Pablo Cuevas.
I think this is Nishioka's match, but if Monfils looks really motivated and energised, he could win the match.
Diego Schwartzmann v Richard Gasquet
Schwartzmann in 3
World no 10 vs 52. Two relatively inconsistent players at the moment. Both relatively good on clay usually. Wouldn't be suprised if Gasquet wins a set with his still powerful serve.
Stefanos Tsitsipas v Tommy Paul
Tsitsipas in 2
Tsitsipas is undoubtedly the clay master this season but Tommy Paul shouldn't be doubted either. Paul has only gone down to Andrey Rublev, Roberto Bautista Agut (x2) and Yannick Hanfmann (which arguably should've been won by Paul). If the American was to win a set, it'd be in a tiebreaker, but prediction is Tsitsipas in 2 sets.
Dominic Thiem v Cameron Norrie
Norrie to win
Norrie has a 12/15 (80%) record on clay this season compared to Thiem's 4/6 (66%). Though this holds some weight in its prediction, some may argue Norrie has been playing too many matches lately, and against a grinder like Thiem, playing many matches may turn out to be a negative.
Thiem also loves the big loopy balls, but Norrie tends to hit the ball quite flat, which means Thiem will be forced to put more spin and could result in more unforced errors. Additionally, not a big factor, but Norrie is left-handed, meaning more to Thiem's one handed backhand, which often produces more unforced errors. Thiem is not playing as consistently as recent seasons, and not as consistent as Norrie, so for that reason...Norrie to win (not sure if 2 or 3 sets), but it's a bold prediction anyway.
Jannik Sinner v Arthur Rinderknech
Sinner in 2
Sinner has no reason to be losing a serve here. Sinner has all the characteristics to breeze through the second round. Rinderknech is very average, and more than 100 ranks below the Italian. Although it is French territory, the lack of crowd minimises the factor home court advantage plays on the match.